This section lists some binary compounds with halogens (known as halides), oxygen (known as oxides), hydrogen (known as hydrides), and some other compounds of cadmium. For each compound, a formal oxidation number for cadmium is given, but the usefulness of this number is limited for p-block elements in particular. Based upon that oxidation number, an electronic configuration is also given but note that for more exotic compounds you should view this as a guide only. The term hydride is used in a generic sense to indicate compounds of the type M_xH_y and not necessarily to indicate that any compounds listed behave chemically as hydrides.

In compounds of cadmium (where known), the most common oxidation numbers of cadmium are: 2.

Hydrides

The term hydride is used to indicate compounds of the type M_xH_y and not necessarily to indicate that any compounds listed behave as hydrides chemically.

• CdH₂: cadmium (II) hydride

Fluorides

• CdF₂: cadmium (II) fluoride

Chlorides

• CdCl₂: cadmium (II) chloride

Bromides

• CdBr₂: cadmium (II) bromide

Iodides

• CdI₂: cadmium (II) iodide

Oxides

• CdO: cadmium (II) oxide

Sulfides

• CdS: cadmium (II) sulphide

Selenides

• CdSe: cadmium (II) selenide

Tellurides

• CdTe: cadmium (II) telluride

Nitrides

• Cd₃N₂: cadmium (II) nitride

Carbonyls

• none listed

Complexes

• none listed